The young guys hung together, unsure and unknowing what they were supposed to do or where to go during Monday’s media session.

Few reporters approached them. Even fewer television cameras sought them out. So the group of rookies joked around, laughed and then took a group photo.

Yet, by the time Lakers training camp ends, one player, maybe two, will emerge from the pack, separated by their superior ball-handling skills, shooting ability or defensive play and be rewarded with a roster spot.

The competition for the final two roster spots will be fierce as training camp opens Tuesday. Coach Phil Jackson traditionally likes to carry only 14 players, allowing him leeway later on in the season in case the Lakers suffer multiple injuries.

The rookies know this and are aware of each other’s competitive drive.

“I feel the spots are open for someone to take, for the rookies to take, you just have to go out there and take them,” said Dwayne Mitchell, a free agent guard who played last season for Iowa in the NBA Developmental League.

“They are going to take the best two guys, the two guys they feel can best help them, this team and improve their game.”

Mitchell, 6-foot-5, is hoping, like the rest, to possess the right stuff.

Coby Karl could be seen as more than training camp fodder because he spent parts of last season on the Lakers bench. He also spent time with the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the D-League.

But Karl isn’t taking his incumbent status for granted. He said he knows he has to work just as hard as the rest to warrant a second invitation.

“Being in the system for a year, knowing the guys, that might help me a little bit,” Karl said. “I know my spot is the one all these guys are looking for. It was a dream to be on the team last year and I just have to make it happen again this year.”

Being part of the team last year does have its advantages. Jackson already knows Karl’s game.

“He does have the inside track because he was with us last year,” Jackson said. “There are a lot of people interested in Coby playing not only in the NBA, but overseas and I would hate for him to have to sit another year like he did last season when he was inactive a lot and with the D-Fenders. I would really like him to play because he is 25.”

Joe Crawford, the Lakers’ lone draft pick this summer, believes everyone has a shot at making the team. Crawford, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard out of Kentucky, was the 58th overall pick in the NBA Draft.

“I think everyone is on even ground,” Crawford said. “You have to go out there and compete and may the best man win.

“They drafted me so they know what I can do. I just need to bring it to the next level.”

C.J. Giles, a 6-foot-10 forward who is looking to fill the role left by Ronny Turiaf’s departure, said he will be nervous the first time he steps on the court Tuesday morning -- but only for a moment.

“It’s just basketball, so you just have to go in and do the best you can,” Giles said.

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